In recent years, efforts by the Yazidi community in Shengal to strengthen and expand their presence in political and diplomatic fields have increased. The Yazidi community, which has been subjected to repeated genocidal decrees and massacres and whose political will has been obstructed, is strengthening its organization in the political sphere in order to solve the social, administrative, and political problems experienced with the Iraqi state.
On 9 April, the first congress of the Yazidi Youth Party was held under the leadership of young people, and this new party was announced. Images from the congress showed that Yazidi young people have reached a level of political will where they can take responsibility for their own community and make the power, color, and voice of Yazidi young people visible in the political arena. Those who attended the congress emphasized that the establishment of this new party in the atmosphere of a third world war is very significant, and they also expressed their hopes and expectations.
Riham Hesen: Our youth will now carry out our politics
Riham Hesen, a member of the TAJÊ Coordination, stated that the establishment of the Yazidi Youth Party will be a strong step for the progress of the Yazidi community and said: “They will sincerely take on the burden of the Yazidi cause. The establishment of a political party by Yazidi youth is in itself a great success for all Yazidis. This also proves our existence; from now on, those who will conduct our politics will be our own youth. They will no longer allow anyone from outside to conduct politics on behalf of our society.”
Qehtan Xelîl: Youth can change the political situation in the region
Civil activist Qehtan Qîranî, who attended the congress, stated that this youth initiative is very important and said: “At the moment there are also several different political parties belonging to Yazidis in Shengal. The most important thing is that these forces strengthen their relations among themselves. Shengal truly needs an alliance, whether it is military forces, political sides, or the tribal leaders of Mount Shengal. We hope this party will serve Mount Shengal and Yazidism. It is very important that the young people of the community take part in this work because they can change the political situation in the region. We hope the people will support them so they can implement their program and become a source of strength and power for Shengal.”
Pîr Heyder: Youth will own the political will
Journalist Pîr Heyder emphasized the importance of young people establishing their own organization in the political field and said: “We have the right to establish a party and to take part in Iraq’s political arena. The Yazidi community must demand its political rights through politics. From 2003 to 2014, political parties coming from outside placed pressure on Yazidis and did not allow them to develop an independent will. Today it is very important that Yazidi young people can make their own political decisions, establish their own parties, and conduct their diplomatic processes themselves.”
Heyder added that everyone’s expectation is a political alliance among Yazidis and said: “We have repeatedly stated that Yazidis must unite regarding the politics of Shengal. Today all Yazidi views must unite and demands for rights must be expressed with a strong voice. It is important that Yazidis have a strong political power. Alongside our military power, we must also have political power, because today there is not only military war but also political struggle. Yazidis must strengthen themselves in the political field as well.”
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